Zoran Mamic says Al Ain ‘need to be playing better’ if they are to sustain AGL title challenge

Omar Abdulrahman of Al Ain, right, in action during the Arabian Gulf League football match between against Al Nasr at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain. February 3, 2017. Photo Courtesy: Arabian Gulf LeagueShow less

ABU DHABI // Al Ain and Al Wasl are both in action on Thursday as they try to keep the pressure on leaders Al Jazira in the Arabian Gulf League.

Al Ain, second in the table, meet Dibba, a side battling relegation but who also held the Garden City club to a 2-2 draw earlier in the season.

Al Ain go into the game at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium on the back of a resounding 3-0 victory over Al Nasr, new Croatian manager Zoran Mamic’s first game in charge.

Mamic, though, has put that result behind him and warned his players to be guarded against complacency.

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Read more

■ Al Ain begin Zoran Mamic reign with win over Al Nasr

■ Baniyas register second win of AGL season

■ Al Wasl edge Al Whada thanks to Ronaldo Mendes strike

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“This is the most important game at this stage,” he said. “We need to be playing better, looking at the players in this squad, with all due respect to opposition teams.”

“There are nine matches to go, so we need to work harder and focus. We must approach every match very carefully from start to finish. I trust my players and their ability to deliver results, especially after our injured players return to the team.”

Mohammed Abdulrahman, the Al Ain midfielder, serves a one-match ban after picking up three yellow cards, but otherwise Mamic has a full-strength squad at his disposal. Al Ain are seven points behind Jazira, who travel to Baniyas on Friday.

Third-placed Wasl travel to Sharjah, who are hoping to end a seven-match run without a win in the late game.

Rodolfo Arruabarrena, the Wasl manager, has a few absentees to deal with.

The Brazilian Ronaldo Mendes and Abdullah Saleh are ruled out through injury and Hassan Zahran is suspended.

“I might make changes to the way we play in the absence of key players but the most important thing is winning the three points,” the Argentine manager said.

Jose Peseiro, the Sharjah manager, has captain Adrian Mierzejewski sidelined through injury.

“A few players missing out because of injury or suspensions is not unusual midway in the season,” Peseiro said.

“We face an opponent who are technically and physically remarkable, especially in attack. We need to focus in what will be a difficult match.”

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